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Abstract:

An electronic device comprising a base printed circuit board (PCB); a
first edge card socket mounted on said base PCB, said socket having PCB
contacts; and a PCB connection unit having PCB contacts thereon, said
unit being slideably connectable to said first edge card socket and
adapted to be slideably inserted into, and to make electrical contact
with, a second edge card socket mounted on a second base PCB.

Claims:

1. An electronic device comprising: a base printed circuit board (PCB); a
first edge card socket mounted on said base PCB, said socket having PCB
contacts; and a PCB connection unit having PCB contacts thereon, said
unit being slideably connectable to said first edge card socket and
adapted to be slideably inserted into, and to make electrical contact
with, a second edge card socket mounted on a second base PCB.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein said PCB connection unit includes a PCB
interconnect board.

3. The device according to claim 2 wherein said interconnect board
includes conductor traces.

4. The device according to claim 2 wherein said interconnect board
includes electrical contacts.

5. The device according to claim 1 wherein said PCB connection unit
includes a handle.

6. The device according to claim 1 wherein said first edge card socket
includes an opening for slideably connecting said PCB connection unit

7. The device according to claim 1 wherein said second edge card socket
includes an opening for slideably inserting said PCB connection unit.

8. The device according to claim 1 wherein said PCB connection unit
includes a housing.

9. The device according to claim 1 wherein said first base PCB is in a
first module and said second base PCB is in a second module.

10. The device according to claim 9 wherein said first module includes a
window for accessing said connector.

11. The device according to claim 9 wherein said first module and said
second module include slots.

12. The device according to claim 9 wherein said first module and said
second module are components in a programmable logic controller (PLC).

13. The device according to claim 1 wherein said second base PCB is a
component in a second electronic device.

Description:

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims benefit from U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 61/522,405, filed 11 Aug. 2011, which is hereby
incorporated in its entirety by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to connectors for electronic devices.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Electronic devices are frequently designed to have a modular
configuration. The electronic circuits may be arranged into modular units
(modules) each module including circuitry dedicated to a particular
function or number of functions. In some electronic devices, each module
may include one or more printed circuit boards (PCBs) enclosed within a
housing. An example of such an electronic device may be a programmable
logic controller (PLC).

[0004] The PLC is generally an electronic processing system designed to
control compounded (multi-task) processes. Some of these processes may
include applications which involve automation, for example, in automatic
or semi-automatic manufacturing facilities or other types of
machine-based processing facilities. In these applications, the PLC may
be used to automatically control specific tasks performed by machinery.

[0005] The PLC is typically modular in design to allow adding or removing
of modules according to the application. Some modules may be, for
example, for processing data, others may be for data input/output, others
for communications, and still others may be for power conversion and/or
supply. The modules may be rack mounted and are frequently physically
connected in series to allow for their easy attachment and removal.
Electrical connections between the modules generally include use of
cables and connectors, although alternate means of connections may be
used. An example of an alternate means of connection is described in U.S.
Pat. No. 7,455,528 B2 to Cox et al.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0006] There is provided, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention, an electronic device comprising a base printed circuit board
(PCB); a first edge card socket mounted on the base PCB, the socket
having PCB contacts; and a PCB connection unit having PCB contacts
thereon, the unit being slideably connectable to the first edge card
socket and adapted to be slideably inserted into, and to make electrical
contact with, a second edge card socket mounted on a second base PCB.

[0007] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the PCB
connection unit includes a PCB interconnect board.

[0008] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the
interconnect board includes conductor traces.

[0009] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the
interconnect board includes electrical contacts.

[0010] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the PCB
connection unit includes a handle.

[0011] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the
first edge card socket includes an opening for slideably connecting the
PCB connection unit

[0012] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the
second edge card socket includes an opening for slideably inserting the
PCB connection unit.

[0013] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the PCB
connection unit includes a housing.

[0014] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the
first base PCB is in a first module and the second base PCB is in a
second module.

[0015] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the
first module includes a window for accessing the connector.

[0016] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the
first module and the second module include slots.

[0017] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the
first module and the second module are components in a programmable logic
controller (PLC).

[0018] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the
second base PCB is a component in a second electronic device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] The subject matter regarded as the invention is particularly
pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the
specification. The invention, however, both as to organization and method
of operation, together with objects, features, and advantages thereof,
may best be understood by reference to the following detailed description
when read with the accompanying drawings in which:

[0020] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a view of an electronic device
including modules electrically interconnected using a PCB connection
unit, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a perspective view of the device
of FIG. 1 including the PCB connection unit, according to an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] FIGS. 3A and 3B schematically illustrate a side view and a front
view of the PCB connection unit, respectively, according to an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention; and

[0023] FIGS. 4A and 4B schematically illustrate a side view and a front
view of the PCB connection unit interconnecting two PCBs, according to an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of
illustration, elements shown in the figures have not necessarily been
drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements may
be exaggerated relative to other elements for clarity. Further, where
considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the
figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] In the following detailed description, numerous specific details
are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the
invention. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art
that the present invention may be practiced without these specific
details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, and
components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the
present invention.

[0026] Applicants have realized the standard data connector used to
connect modules in electronic devices is slow and keeps the rate of data
transfer between units relatively slow. Applicants have further realized
that a faster connection may be that of a PCB connection.

[0027] The main advantages of using a PCB for the actual connection are
(a) higher communication speeds may be achieved due to controlled
impedances in the PCB (which is an electrical property influenced by the
dimensions, thickness and height, and the dielectric constant of the PCB
material); and (b) reduced electromagnetic interference (EMI) in PCBs as
opposed to connectors

[0028] Reference is now made to FIG. 1 which schematically illustrates a
an electronic device 10, for example a programmable logic controller
(PLC), including multiple PCB connection units 100 connecting a plurality
of modules 12A-12C together, and to FIG. 2 which schematically
illustrates a perspective view of PLC 10, according to an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention. Modules 12A, 12B and 12C may include
a base PCB 14A, 14B, and 14C with electronic circuitry for performing
functions associated with the respective module (e.g. processing
circuitry, I/O circuitry, power supply/conversion circuitry, etc.). Each
PCB 14A, 14B and 14C may additionally include two PCB edge card sockets,
a first edge card socket 104A and a second edge card socket 104B on
opposing edges of the PCBs, in electrical contact with the electronic
circuitry in the PCB.

[0029] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, PCB
connection unit 100 is configured to electrically interconnect two PCBs.
The PCBs may be two adjacent PCBs inside an electronic device, or may be
two PCBs in adjacent modules in an electronic device/system. PCB
connection unit 100 may allow serial connection of a plurality of PCBs
inside an electronic device, a plurality of modules, and a plurality of
electronic devices, by using the connection unit to connect one PCB to
another in a chain-type configuration. For example, four PCBs may be
serially connected within an electronic device by connecting one PCB to
the other using PCB connection unit 100. As another example, four modules
may be serially connected together by connecting at least one PCB in each
module to a PCB in the adjacent module using PCB connection unit 100. The
center modules, for example, may have two PCBs, one on each side,
connecting to an adjacent module on each side of the module using PCB
connection unit 100. Similarly, in another example, four electronic
devices may be serially connected together by connecting at least one PCB
in each device to a PCB in the adjacent device using PCB connection unit
100. The center device, for example, may have two PCBs, one on each side,
connecting to an adjacent device on each side of the module using PCB
connection unit 100. One skilled in the art may realize that a plurality
of PCB connection units 100 may be used to connect a PCB to a plurality
of PCBs. As an example, the plurality of PCB connection units 100 may be
used to connect 4 PCBs to a PCB along all the sides of the PCB (along
both sides of the length and both side of the width of the PCB). The
skilled in the art may also realize that many other connection
combinations may be possible, and that the plurality of connections to
one PCB may be equally applicable to all PCBs in a serial connection as
well as for connection modules and devices.

[0030] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, PCB
connection unit 100 may electrically interconnect adjacent modules, for
example, PCB 14A in module 12A with PCB 14B in module 12B, and PCB 14B in
module 12B with PCB 14C in module 12C. PCB connection unit 100 may
include a connector 102 which may be configured to fit into a PCB edge
card socket in one PCB and into a second PCB edge card socket in an
adjacent PCB, and to create an electrical path between the sockets. For
example, connector 102 may fit into PCB edge card socket 104A in module
12C and into edge card socket 104B in module 14B creating the electrical
path between the edge card sockets and electrically interconnecting PCBs
14B and 14C. Modules 12A-12C may include slots 16 (FIG. 2) on externally
opposing walls of each module through which connector 102 may physically
extend from one PCB in one module to another PCB in the adjacent module.
For example, from PCB 14C through slots 16 in modules 12C and 12B, to PBC
14B, and from PCB 14B in module 12B through slots 16 in modules 12B and
12A to PCB 14A.

[0031] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, PCB
connection unit 100 may allow a user to electrically connect and
disconnect modules, for example modules 12A and 12B, and 12B and 12C,
with relative ease and in a relatively short time. PCB edge card socket
104A in each module 12A, 12B, and 12C may be configured to allow
connector 102 to reciprocally slide through the socket into and out of
PCB edge card socket 104B for making and breaking the electrical
connection between the modules. A window 18 may be included in each
module 12A-12C which may be accessed by a user to allow the user to
manipulate connector 102 for electrically connecting and disconnecting
adjacent PCBs (and thereby adjacent modules). For example, the user may
access window 18 to disconnect one module from another when replacing a
module, or to connect a newly installed module. Through window 18, the
user may laterally push connector PCB 102 so that it slides through edge
card socket 104A in one module and through slots 16 in the modules into
edge card socket 104B in the other module, establishing the electrical
connection. For disconnecting, the user may laterally pull on connector
102 through window 18, sliding the connector away from edge card socket
104B in the other module. Additionally, the user may pull on connector
102 until it is completely withdrawn from the other module. In FIGS. 1
and 2, connector 102 in module 12C is shown inserted into PCB edge card
socket 104B in module 12B connecting the modules together, connector 102
in module 12B is shown inserted into PCB edge card socket 104B in module
12A connecting the modules together, and connector 102 in module 12A is
shown inside the module, in a disconnect mode.

[0032] Connector 102 may include a handle or lever 16 which the user may
use to reciprocally slide (laterally push and pull) the connector through
PCB edge card socket 104A, into and out of PCB edge card socket 104B.
Additionally or alternatively, connector 102 may include a notch or
similar feature which may accommodate a tool such as, for example, a
screwdriver, which may be used to by the user to laterally push and pull
on the connector.

[0033] Reference is now made to FIGS. 3A and 3B which schematically
illustrate a side view and a front view of connector 102, respectively,
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Connector
102 may include an interconnect board which may be a connector printed
circuit board (PCB) 108 having contacts 112 in a forward section and a
rear section, and with conductor traces 110 electrically connecting the
front section contacts 112A and rear section contacts 112B. Connector 102
may include housing or cover 114 over connector 102.

[0034] Reference is now also made to FIGS. 4A and 4B which schematically
illustrate a side view and a front view A of PCB connection unit 100 with
connector 102 electrically interconnecting two PCBs, according to an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The PCBs may be, for
example, PCB 14A in module 12A and PCB 14B in module 12B.

[0035] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, PCB
14A may include PCB edge card socket 104B and PCB 14B may include PCB
edge card socket 104A. Edge card sockets 104A and 104B may be, but not
limited to, a modified version of the guideless sockets from the Mini
Edge Card Socket MB1 Series of Samtech Inc., appropriately modified to
allow connector 102 to slide inside the sockets. Edge card sockets 104A
and 104B may include an opening 114 adapted to accommodate connector 102
and to allow the connector to be slidingly displaced inside the sockets
in a forward and a backward direction. Edge card sockets 104A and 104B
may include contacts 105 in electrical contact with the respective
electronic circuitry in PCBs 14A and 14B. Contacts 105 may be adapted to
make electrical contact with contacts 112A and 112B in connector 102 when
the connector is positioned in the sockets. For example, contacts 105 in
edge socket 104B make electrical contact with forward section contacts
112A and contacts 105 in edge socket 104A make electrical contact with
rear section contacts 112B.

[0036] According to some exemplary embodiment of the present invention, in
a typical mode of operation, when PCBs 14A and 14B are disconnected,
connector 102 may be positioned inside edge card socket 104A. To make the
electrical connection, the user pushes on handle 106, laterally
displacing connector 102 so that it slides inside edge card socket 104A
towards, and into, edge card connector 104B. Once inserted into edge card
connector 104B, the electrical connection is made between PCBs 14A and
14B. Electricity flow between PCB 14A and 14B may then be facilitated by
the electrical contact between PCB 14A through the contacts 105 in edge
card connector 104B and front section contacts 112A, contacts 105 in edge
card connector 104A and rear section contacts 112B, and conductor trace
110 connecting the front section and rear section contacts in connector
PCB 108. To break the electrical connection, the user pulls handle 106
laterally displacing connector 102 so that is slides inside edge card
socket 104A away from, and out of, edge card socket 104B. One of ordinary
skill in the art may realize that electricity flow between PCBs 14A and
14B may be across connector PCB 108 in any direction and not necessarily
limited to a particular direction.

[0037] Furthermore, one may realize that the above description regarding
the direction of insertion and retrieval of connector 102 is not intended
to be limiting and that the direction of insertion and retrieval may be
from edge card socket 104B instead of from edge card socket 104A as
described above.

[0038] It will be appreciated that, with the PCB connection provided by
the present invention, adding extensions to existing devices may be done
with relative ease and speed, without sacrificing performance generally
associated with electrical connectivity restraints.

[0039] Unless specifically stated otherwise, as apparent from the
preceding discussions, it is appreciated that, throughout the
specification, discussions utilizing terms such as "processing,"
"computing," "calculating," "determining," or the like, refer to the
action and/or processes of a computer, computing system, or similar
electronic computing device that manipulates and/or transforms data
represented as physical, such as electronic, quantities within the
computing system's registers and/or memories into other data similarly
represented as physical quantities within the computing system's
memories, registers or other such information storage, transmission or
display devices.

[0040] While certain features of the invention have been illustrated and
described herein, many modifications, substitutions, changes, and
equivalents will now occur to those of ordinary skill in the art. It is,
therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to
cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit
of the invention.

Patent applications in class For coupling to edge of printed circuit board or to coupling part secured to such edge

Patent applications in all subclasses For coupling to edge of printed circuit board or to coupling part secured to such edge